Questions to consider

We recommend that authors consider the following questions, and keep them in mind when writing a proposal to us. They are the questions our editors and reviewers ask of each proposed title in considering whether to accept a work for publication.

The publication

What is the unique contribution of this work?

Where does the work fit into the existing literature?

Whom or what is this work in conversation with?

The author

What are your qualifications as an author?

Why are you the best person to write this particular work for this audience?

What do you specifically bring to this content?

What is your research background and training?

The contribution

What is this book about?

What is the argument?

What is the evidence?

What would you like readers to take away from it?

The audience

Who is the audience for this work?

Primary audience?

Secondary audience?

What is the level of readership?

Is this a work for scholars and your peers? Or a more general audience? If both, please say why.

Identify the stakes for the audience – why will they want to read this?

Why Amherst College Press?

How does the proposed work fit with the objectives of the Amherst College Press?

What audiences could read this work that otherwise might not have access through traditional channels?

Does the work have additional digital elements or components making a print-only publication a poor version of record?